Editorial – With Rights Come Responsibilities
As previously reported, on Monday, Oct. 6, a Habersham County grand jury announced it found no basis for charges against local law enforcement in connection with an April drug raid in Cornelia that severely injured a toddler. The jury’s decision led to a strong mix of criticism and support for law enforcement and the jury.
This story has received global attention – from Atlanta to New York to London and beyond – the world’s eyes have been cast on our community and many judgements have been made and opinions offered. There have been protests in our streets and countless comments made through the media and online. Our law officers have been called “yahoos” “thugs” and “racists,” among other names too vile to repeat. Jurors have been criticized for not indicting them.
Now Habersham staunchly advocates freedom of speech. It is among the most precious of our rights as citizens. But with rights come responsibilities. Yes, opinions are meant to be shared but they should also be informed. For that reason we are providing this link to the full 16-page presentment delivered by the grand jury to the Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney, Brian Rickman, on Monday. This is a public document. Copies can be obtained in the Clerk of Court’s office in the Habersham County Judicial Center.
You read it. You decide.
